How to Prepare for Your CDL Test

If a career in truck driving interests you, the first step is obtaining your commercial driver’s license (CDL). In order to obtain this license you will need to pass a CDL test that includes a written component that covers your general knowledge of commercial vehicle operation as well as a driving skills test. Truck drivers can make up to $64,000 a year* and many employers will allow you to choose the loads you want. This allows you the freedom to make your own schedule and an opportunity to see more of the country.

If you are preparing to take a CDL test, here are some things you should know:

The Written Test

The first part of the CDL test is a written general knowledge exam. This will assess your knowledge of commercial vehicles, rules and regulations, including safety and operation. You can also take endorsement tests, which include information about specific areas of commercial vehicle operation. These can include hazardous materials, double/triple trailers, and tanker endorsements. In order to pass your written CDL test, you will need to study all the material in the New Mexico Commercial Driver’s License Manual. You can also make use of CDL practice tests to prepare for the questions you might see on the actual exam. When you enroll with Phoenix Truck Driving School, we extensively go over all the information you will need to pass this portion of the CDL test.

The Skills Test

The skills test portion requires you to drive a commercial vehicle. This test is given by a state-certified testing administrator and covers the basics of driving. This includes skills such as: safety inspections, parking, starting, stopping, backing, and more. It also includes a section where you drive on the road. You cannot take the skills portion of the CDL test without having experience behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. At the Phoenix Truck Driving School, you get hands-on experience operating a tractor-trailer under the supervision of seasoned truck drivers. Our instructors will teach you the basics of operating tractor-trailers and will help ensureyou are confident when you take your skills test.

Benefits of CDL School

Although you can study on your own and pass a CDL test, there are many benefits to studying with experienced instructors at a truck driving school. Many trucking companies prefer or even require candidates for their jobs to not only have a CDL, but also a certificate from an accredited trucking school. When you attend a CDL school, you also have more confidence and more experience when you take your CDL test. Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque can help prepare you to pass your CDL test. We use a combination of classroom learning and hands-on driving to make sure you are fully prepared for a career as a truck driver. Our accelerated program can have you on the road in as little as four weeks. Contact us today for more information.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $64,000 per year according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Benefits of Attending a CDL School vs. Self-Teaching

If you are looking for a new career where you can earn more money and see more of our country, you should consider a job as a truck driver. Your first step towards this goal is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). While you can study on your own to take your CDL test, there are many benefits to attending a CDL school and completing a truck driver training program. With the right training from a credible school you will walk away prepared to be a professional truck driver.
Here are just a few of the benefits you get when you enroll in a CDL school:

Hands-On Truck Driving Experience

It is possible to study for and pass the written portion of the CDL test on your own. However, it can be difficult to get the practice you need driving a tractor trailer to pass the skills test. Usually, you will need a significant number of practice hours to take and pass the CDL driving test.

When you enroll in the Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, we ensure that you get the hands-on truck driving experience that you need to succeed. Our combination of classroom CDL training and actual driving will help give you the confidence and experience you need to pass the CDL skills test.

Experienced Mentors

When you study for a CDL on your own, you lack the opportunity to connect with experienced truck drivers. When training with a skilled driver you get to learn from their experience and this is something you would miss out on if you relied solely on written study materials. When you learn from seasoned mentors, you can rest assured that you will have the confidence you need to start a truck driving job after earning your CDL.

Our instructors at Phoenix Truck Driving School know the ins and outs of trucking and we give you valuable knowledge to help you in starting your career. We only hire teachers who are among the best in the truck driving industry. These instructors will not only teach you how to pass a CDL exam, they will provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Our highly qualified instructors produce professionally trained drivers that are in demand by the best companies.

Job Placement Assistance

The end goal of earning your CDL is to get a well-paying truck driving job after graduation. More and more trucking companies are requiring that new drivers not only have a CDL, but also a certificate from a certified trade school.

One more benefit to choosing to attend CDL school rather than self-teaching is that Phoenix Truck Driving School offers job placement assistance. You will have a knowledgeable team of professionals working with you to try to find you the best post-graduation truck driving job. We want you to not only pass the exam but to be successful, safe, and confident on the road.

What About the Cost?

There are many ways to make CDL school more affordable. Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque offers financial aid to those who qualify. After graduation, many trucking companies also offer tuition reimbursement programs.

If you are looking for a CDL school in New Mexico, look no further than Phoenix Truck Driving School. Our top-notch programs and qualified instructors will help you earn your CDL and you could start driving in as little as four weeks. Contact us today to learn more.